What speakers give the most bang for the buck?

Freo-1 · « **on:** 22 Sep 2008, 11:36 pm »

OK, all you audio gurus out there:

What speakers give the most bang for the buck?

This could be one of the most subjective areas of audio in general. Speaker prices in general are all over the place, and trust me, price is NO indication of performance. I've heard some very expensive speakers that were absolute dogs at their price point.

My personal vote for the best bang for the buck speakers are the Polk Audio LSI series. They have been out on the market for a number of years, and continue to hold their own. The LS15 is a particularly good buy. I've heard speakers at two to three times their price that do not sound as good. (It's that vifa tweeter!). The speaker really comes alive with a higher power tube amp.

I think the choice of amplifier and listening preferences factor into this a lot.

If nothing else, this may give people just getting into audio some choices to consider, and people who are "itching" to upgrade some idead to mull over.

dorokusai · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 12:02 am »

Well since we've already been mentioned

, there are a bunch but two that come to mind quickly for me are Usher Audio and Magnepan. Most of the Usher series, below the Be, are really solid and sound very good. One of my favorite bookends is the S-520. The Magnepan 1.6QR continues to get picked for budget rigs and editor choices. The MMG is too much of a tease but the 1.6 really shows you what a nice planar can do.

Just a couple...good thread.

Mark

Toka · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 12:04 am »

Good names listed so far. I also would submit Axiom...for whatever reason they ruffle feathers in some quarters (for reasons beyond my imagination), but I find them to be very revealing and clear..."for the money" or otherwise.

opaqueice · « **Reply #3 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 12:10 am »

One vote for the Squeezebox Boom.

Not audiophile grade, but it sounds very good for the $$, and it's reeeeally convenient.

saisunil · « **Reply #4 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 12:15 am »

I would also add brands which sell direct - you save on dealer markup and they generally hold their value in used market quite well ....

If Home Theater qualifies for this - I would put ZVOX on top of the list - their top of the line 425 speakers are beyond wow!

Cheers

TerryO · « **Reply #5 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 12:32 am »

I believe that for the "Bang for the Buck," Exodus Audio's "Kepler" speaker is extremely hard to beat at just about any price. They can go toe to toe with much more expensive speakers and prevail.
As we're dealing with opinions here, it might help to get another one on the Kepler.

Check out the Soundstage! review, including the measurements done at Canada's prestigious National Research Center. While you're there on the Soundstage! site, compare the Kepler review against the KEF and Usher speaker reviews and measurements.

Here's the URL: http://www.soundstage.com/diwhy/diwhy200804.htm

Best Regards,
TerryO

Niteshade · « **Reply #6 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 12:58 am »

What about Klipsch RF-83's?

Zero · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 01:05 am »

Quote

What about Klipsch RF-83's?

Nose. 10x 4 playing. K? bai!

hehe (is certain that I may be the only one to understand that).

timind · « **Reply #8 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 01:37 am »

I owned the Polk LSi-15s for nearly a year. They are very nice speakers but ultimately couldn't keep me entertained.
As for best bang for buck though I have two favorites. Vandersteen 1Cs are a really hard to beat for the $, either used or new. My personal favorite in the best bang for the buck though is the Meadowlark Audio Kestrel hot Rods. Of course they are only available on the used market but still a pure joy too listen to.
You might note that both of those speakers have time aligned drivers and simple 1st order crossovers. I believe that's what does it for me. They offer a smooth 3 dimensional sound I have trouble getting from other designs. My listening room is only 12X13 so large speakers are out and monitors have never thrilled me.
My first pair of Kestrels were purchased five or six years ago when the company was still operating. Since buying them I have owned speakers priced much higher and would let the Kestrels sit in the closet. Every time I would tire of the new sound (always happened) the Kestrels would come out and amaze me. A few months ago I sold my Proacs and am sticking with the Kestrels.

slev · « **Reply #9 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 02:10 am »

How about Acoustat 1+1 speakers? I have had Acoustats, Audiostatics, Triangle, many horns, Lowthers, etc. The 1+1 remains one of my favorite. I just picked up another set a few months ago and am reminded why I love these so much. Part of the trick is my room, 8' wide X 14' long X 9' high. The bass is exceptional and the soundstage appears much bigger than the room should allow. And the amp I'm using has been even more surprising - a Cairn 30 watt class A integrated. I was unhappy with quite a few amps, and I threw this one in the mix. It doesn't go loud, but within it's power limits it's one sweet amplifier. My next move is to get the Cairn sound with more power, and I'm considering the Wyred for sound 500 W stereo amp.

Next up is a Triangle Zerius. Try it in a small room with a Red Wine ClariT and marvel at the huge involving sound. I have paid as little as $300 for a pair, and I can't think of a better used bargain. One consistent with all the speakers has been the Kimber 8TC. I can't find a speaker/amp combo that this doesn't click with.

S Clark · « **Reply #10 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 02:25 am »

AV123 X-Static is an excellent speaker, and an incredible speaker for the $$.

DaveC113 · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 02:28 am »

Omega Speakers... IMO one of the best regardless of price if the single driver concept floats your boat.

Zero · « **Reply #12 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 02:35 am »

AV123 Onix X-LS (sub $400), Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 (sub $1000), ACI Sapphire XL (Sub $2000), Totem Acoustic Forest ($3000-4000)

Honorable Mention: Magnepan 1.6, Vandersteeen 2Ce Signature,

There is still a tremendous amount of stuff I haven’t heard, but the above stand out in my mind is giving me great aural pleasure through my travels.

maxwalrath · « **Reply #13 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 02:38 am »

Quote from: Zero on 23 Sep 2008, 02:35 am

...Meadowlark Kestrel 2...

try the Kestrel 1's if you can...they aren't as pretty, but I preferred the sonics and most reviewers agree.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #14 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 02:39 am »

I've heard a few speakers......

In the $500.00 to $600.00 range....Green Mountain Audio Europa....and Odyssey Epiphony...

Two good buys...

Zero · « **Reply #15 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 03:07 am »

Max - I'd love to hear the hot rod Kestrel's. In hindsight however, I'm going to remove the Kestrel 2's from my list. Great loudspeakers, but I forgot that they were over 2 grand retail. doh !

Chris - Come on brother - no SP Tech's!?

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #16 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 03:22 am »

Quote from: Zero on 23 Sep 2008, 03:07 am

Chris - Come on brother - no SP Tech's!?

He's looking for "bang for the buck"....

Now if he said the best in the world...well.....

viggen · « **Reply #17 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 03:23 am »

Well, 5 years ago, I went through a plethora of speakers. I listened to speakers ranging from $1000 to $2000 used. Finally, I gave up, and I bought the cheapest small speaker to just tie me over until I can save up to buy something bigger and badder. That cheap speaker turned out to be the most musical of the bunch.

byteme · « **Reply #18 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 03:36 am »

Odyssey has to be mentioned here in bang for the buck. Depending how big the buck is the Lorelei's are silly.

Zero · « **Reply #19 on:** 23 Sep 2008, 05:51 am »

Chris - I hope to have a glimpse into the world you've been enjoying for the past few years here soon enough.

. On the note of Odyssey, have you ever checked out the new Epiphany II ?